Gallas, who is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, had been somewhat rushed back from missing eight games with a calf problem. However, after being unable to finish the Barcelona game, Wenger confirmed the French centre-back was unlikely to recover in time to play again this season.

Wenger said: "Gallas is longer than three weeks, I would say five weeks. It was a gamble which did not pay off and was a mistake, yes.

"He could be back maybe quicker, but I just give myself five weeks because three weeks is a minimum and we will have to be a bit more cautious with him.

"So when we go to the Champions League final, he still has a chance to play."

The Arsenal manager, however, expects the Russian midfielder Andrey Arshavin to be available again by the visit of Manchester City on 24 April.

The defender Gaël Clichy (back) and the midfielder Denílson (groin) have both been passed fit for tomorrow's home game against Wolves.